Cutting edge arts and production company

Touretteshero

Jess Thom has Tourettes, a condition that makes her say 'biscuit' 16,000 times a day. Her unusual neurology gives her a unique perspective on life; one she's about to unleash on the world. This two-woman solo show weaves comedy, puppetry, singing, and incredible tics to explore spontaneity, creativity, disability, and things you never knew would make you laugh. Geranium bashing and penguin gangbangs may or may not feature - no two shows can ever be the same. Jess is neurologically incapable of staying on script, and that's when the fun begins.

Kriya Arts became involved in developing Backstage in Biscuit Land at the earliest stages and helped support with the rest of the Touretteshero team with developing the show. It premiered at the Pleasance Courtyard in the Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2014. The show was a sell out smash hit, listed as one of Lyn Gardner's "Edinburgh Shows to Die For" & securing the "Best Emerging Artist" Total Theatre Award. The show's impact went well beyond awards and acclaim though, setting a new benchmark in accessible theatre and inspiring others to take up the cause. At the forefront of the UK's relaxed performance movement, Jess's work led directly to artists holding their first relaxed shows including Daniel Kitson (Tree, Old Vic), Mark Thomas (Cuckooed, Tricycle), Nina Conti (Soho Theatre) and companies Tangram Theatre and London's Old Red Lion Theatre.

"Producer, performer, Essex girl and all round good egg. Jolie co-produced the award winning Backstage in Biscuit Land with Leftwing Idiot. She works with an portfolio of incredible companies and if you're very lucky you might catch her as a cat (dressed as a nun). "

Reviews for Backstage in Biscuit Land

‘Delightful’ - Stephen Fry

**** 'Extraordinarily entertaining... could teach a lot of other theatre a lesson or two' Guardian